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Pasadena, California perhaps is most famous for the Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses Parade, and the city also garners notoriety for the prestigious California Institute of Technology -- Caltech to many -- and the associated Jet Propulsion Laboratory. However, Pasadena also boasts many fine restaurants that serve gourmet fare. Nestled among high-fashion businesses on tree-lined streets, several of the eateries are open year-round, including on Christmas Day.

P.F. Chang's Chinese Bistro

With a somewhat limited menu compared with many Chinese restaurants, the P.F. Chang's chain (pfchangs.com) serves what it describes as food "combining influences of Chinese and American cultures." In other words, while the dishes they serve are traditional in name, the food is decidedly Americanized and a little pricey. You pay for the ambiance -- which is hip and modern while maintaining a sense of Chinese tradition -- more than for the food, although the cuisine is still quite appealing. A large, panoramic mural with images representing China in the 12th century dominates the dining room.

Yujean Kang's Gourmet Chinese Cuisine

Yujean Kang's (yujeankangs.com) has earned top ratings from the Los Angeles Times, City Search, Gourmet Magazine and the Zagat Survey in recent years, and it's easy to see why. Yujean Kang's offers a number of pork, beef and chicken dishes, and the house specialties are delicious seafood and vegetable entrees, all cooked without MSG. The restaurant also offers Sino Sunday Suppers -- hearty, comforting Sunday evening meals that are served family style.

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The temperature in Pasadena, California in February tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Pasadena, California in February is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Pasadena, California in February is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Wokcano Restaurant and Lounge

With a soaring ceiling and ful-service bar, Wokcano Restaurant (wokcanoonline.com) serves traditional, authentic Japanese food in a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere. Guests can start their meals with traditional miso soup, or choose Chinese-style hot and sour or Thai-style spicy seafood soups. Appetizers include seared tuna or hamachi (yellowtail) sashimi, plus several other dishes served hot, such as dynamite (mushrooms, scallops and onions baked in a special sauce with smelt roe). Main courses include sashimi, sushi, tempura, teriyaki and several wok-fried beef, seafood, chicken and vegetable dishes.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining

The Gyu-Kaku (gyu-kaku.com) in Pasadena is a small, unpretentious restaurant nestled among quaint shops and boutiques on a quiet, shady street. An international chain with restaurants in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Indonesia -- as well as several American states -- Gyu Kaku offers special deals year-round and a happy hour every day except Sunday, including bar drinks. The owners serve traditional Japanese dishes in a fun, inviting atmosphere.

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

With locations in Pasadena and Old Town Pasadena, Kabuki Restaurant (kabukirestaurants.com) serves authentic Japanese food in a customary setting, including booths that allow diners to sit on floor cushions while enjoying their meal. For those who prefer to watch their chef prepare the meal, Kabuki has a large sushi bar. This award-winning restaurant has been in business since the 1940s, serving fresh, elegant food presented with flair.

Denny's Pasadena

Like all Denny's restaurants (dennys.com), the one in Pasadena is always open and will serve whatever meal you prefer -- breakfast, lunch or dinner -- at any time, day or night. The combination plates include 20 or more selections for each of the three meals, and a number of appetizers also are available. Most menu items are American food, such as egg dishes, pancakes, burgers and sandwiches, fried chicken, steak and shrimp, with Americanized forays into Latin American, Asian and Italian dishes. Denny's food is priced reasonably, and the diner almost always has some kind of special bargain available for its customers.

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About the Author

Tom Wagner began writing for newspapers and magazines in the L.A. area in 2001. With articles appearing in "California Examiner," "World Reporter," the "Philippine Nurses Monitor" and "Famegate Global News," he currently writes for all three Philippine Media publications in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. His articles focus on food, social issues, travel, sight-seeing, humor, general information, politics and medical matters.

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